When people think of refugees, they may imagine a group that is utterly without means and dependent on others. But that’s a misleading assumption, says Quentin Wodon, chair of the Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration.
“There are studies suggesting that refugees actually contribute more to the economy than the value of the services provided to them,” says Wodon, a member of the Rotary Club of Washington Global, Washington, D.C., USA. “Refugees often have amazing skills. They’re often very driven. And they can be assets for a country as opposed to liabilities.”
World Refugee Day on 20 June puts a spotlight on this misunderstood group, many of whom have fled war, persecution, or violence. More than 117 million people around the world were forcibly displaced at the end of 2023, according to UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency.
That includes refugees who fled their home nations, people who were displaced within their countries, people who weren’t recognized as citizens of any nation, and others. The countries with the most refugees protected or assisted by UNHCR are Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.
The Rotary action group coordinates projects worldwide, such as promoting social entrepreneurship in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, delivering meals and other necessities to Venezuelan refugees in Colombia, and sponsoring webinars about refugees in the United States who have become successful entrepreneurs.
Wodon says Rotary members can help refugees by applying for global grants to fund projects and engaging the power of Rotary at the local level. “Rotary clubs can mobilize the community,” he says, suggesting that clubs first learn which organizations are active in their area. “You can be involved either in the provision of education or skills, or in helping people find jobs. There are so many things that you can do, and the personal connection you can have is very important.”
Continued reading at https://www.rotary.org/en/world-refugee-day-highlights-misunderstood-group.